Pots, Pans & Patches

Quilting is a way of life, so we shouldn’t be surprised by “Favorite Recipes From Quilters,” edited by Louise Stoltzfus (Good Books, Intercourse, Penn.: $11.95). The 900 recipes are easy, folksy stuff such as Grandma’s macaroni and cheese, celery meat loaf, Amish chili and mincemeat cookies. (Most contributors mentioned which quilt pattern they were working on: Double Irish Chain and Nine Patch would seem to be the big favorites, though Albino Squid Races sounds intriguing.)

Monster Mango

Two years ago, Enriqueta Gutierrez of Walnut, Calif., idly planted a mango seed in her back yard. A few weeks back the young tree, which is already 8 feet tall, produced exactly one mango--a 4 1/2-pound monster that might be the biggest ever grown; her daughter, Neli Gutierrez (above), says it’s as big as her son’s head. We’re impressed and only a little worried about what will happen when the tree gets a little bigger.

The King’s Table

Presley fans may be interested in “Are You Hungry Tonight” (Gramercy Books: $8.99), a compilation of more than 50 of Elvis’ favorite recipes. Included are color photos showing how to make his fried peanut butter and banana sandwich and even the recipe for his wedding cake (feeds 500). Author Brenda Arlene Butler also worked on “I Am Elvis: A Directory of Elvis Impersonators” (who, come to think of it, must have favorite recipes of their own).

French Fries Roasting by an Open Fire

In time for the holiday season, potato giant Ore-Ida is selling Fast Fries--frozen thin-cut French fries with a special coating to give them the taste of the fast-food kind. They’re in the supermarkets: $1.59 for an 18-ounce bag, $2.69 for 36 ounces.